The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and decision-making. One common topic that candidates may encounter is describing a good decision they made recently. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to excel in this type of question, helping you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a skill you are trying to master is another popular topic in IELTS Speaking, and many of the techniques we’ll discuss here can also be applied to that question.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about decision-making. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: How often do you have to make important decisions?
A: Well, to be honest, I’d say I face significant decisions quite frequently, perhaps a couple of times a month. These can range from career-related choices to personal matters. For instance, just last month, I had to decide whether to take on a challenging project at work or focus on my ongoing responsibilities. It’s always a bit of a balancing act, but I find that weighing the pros and cons carefully usually helps me make the right call.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a good decision you made recently
You should say:
- What the decision was
- When you made this decision
- Why you made this decision
- And explain why you think it was a good decision
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Recently, I made a decision to start learning a new language, specifically Spanish. I made this choice about three months ago when I realized how beneficial it could be for both my personal and professional life.
The main reason I decided to learn Spanish was because I work for a company that has many Spanish-speaking clients. I thought it would be helpful to communicate with them more effectively. Also, I’ve always wanted to travel to Spain and South America, so knowing the language would make those trips more enjoyable.
I believe it was a good decision because it’s already showing positive results. At work, I can now understand some basic conversations with our Spanish-speaking clients, which has impressed my boss. Personally, I’m enjoying the learning process and feeling more confident about my future travel plans.
Overall, this decision has opened up new opportunities for me and has been a great way to challenge myself intellectually.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I recently made what I consider to be a pivotal decision in my professional life – I chose to enroll in a comprehensive data analysis course. This decision was made approximately two months ago after considerable deliberation and research into future job market trends.
The primary impetus behind this decision was my desire to enhance my skill set and remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven business landscape. I recognized that proficiency in data analysis is becoming an indispensable asset across various industries, and I was keen to position myself at the forefront of this trend.
I firmly believe this was an astute decision for several reasons. Firstly, it has already begun to yield tangible benefits in my current role. I’ve been able to apply newly acquired techniques to streamline our reporting processes, resulting in more actionable insights for our management team. Secondly, it has significantly boosted my confidence in tackling complex problems, as I now have a more systematic approach to data interpretation.
Moreover, this decision has opened up a plethora of career advancement opportunities. I’ve noticed an increase in interest from potential employers on professional networking platforms, and I feel more equipped to pursue roles with greater responsibility and remuneration.
In essence, this decision has not only augmented my professional capabilities but has also reinvigorated my passion for continuous learning and self-improvement. It’s a choice that I believe will continue to pay dividends well into the future.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How do you usually make important decisions?
A (Band 6-7): When I have to make important decisions, I usually make a list of pros and cons. I also like to talk to my friends or family to get their opinions. Sometimes, I sleep on it before making the final choice.
A (Band 8-9): When faced with crucial decisions, I employ a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I gather as much relevant information as possible to ensure I have a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Then, I meticulously analyze the potential outcomes of each option, considering both short-term and long-term implications. I often consult with trusted mentors or experts in the relevant field to gain different perspectives. Finally, I trust my intuition to guide me towards the most suitable choice, while remaining cognizant of my personal values and goals.
Q: Do you think young people make decisions differently from older people?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I think there are some differences. Young people might make decisions more quickly and take more risks. Older people usually have more experience, so they might think more carefully before deciding.
A (Band 8-9): I believe there are notable distinctions in the decision-making processes of younger and older individuals. Young people often exhibit a propensity for swift decision-making, frequently driven by enthusiasm and a willingness to embrace risk. This can lead to innovative thinking and bold choices, but may sometimes lack the benefit of hindsight.
Conversely, older individuals typically approach decisions with a wealth of life experience, which can foster a more measured and cautious approach. They often demonstrate a greater appreciation for potential long-term consequences and may be more adept at recognizing patterns from past experiences. However, this caution can occasionally result in missed opportunities or resistance to change.
Ultimately, I believe the ideal decision-making process combines the dynamism of youth with the wisdom of age, striking a balance between innovation and prudence.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: What factors do you think influence people’s decision-making process?
A (Band 6-7): I think there are several factors that affect how people make decisions. Personal experiences play a big role because we often use past situations to guide us. Our emotions can also influence our choices, especially if we’re feeling stressed or excited. Sometimes, the opinions of friends and family can sway our decisions too. Also, the amount of time we have to make a decision can affect the process.
A (Band 8-9): The decision-making process is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias or anchoring, can significantly shape our perception of available options. Socio-cultural background plays a crucial role, as our values and beliefs, often deeply ingrained, guide our choices.
Economic considerations are frequently paramount, particularly in decisions with financial implications. The availability and quality of information at our disposal can dramatically alter our perspective on a situation. Additionally, time pressure can force individuals to rely more on intuitive, rather than analytical, decision-making processes.
It’s also worth noting the impact of psychological factors such as risk tolerance and decision fatigue. Some individuals are naturally more risk-averse, leading them to gravitate towards safer options, while others may be more comfortable with uncertainty.
Lastly, the context of the decision itself is crucial. High-stakes decisions might prompt a more thorough analysis, while routine choices might be made almost automatically based on habit or heuristics.
Q: How has technology changed the way people make decisions?
A (Band 6-7): Technology has definitely changed how we make decisions. We can now get information very quickly, which helps us make faster choices. Social media also influences our decisions because we can see what others are doing or recommending. There are also apps and websites that can help us compare options, like when we’re shopping or choosing a restaurant.
A (Band 8-9): Technology has fundamentally transformed the decision-making landscape in numerous ways. Firstly, the unprecedented access to information has democratized knowledge, allowing individuals to make more informed choices across various domains. This abundance of data, however, can also lead to information overload, potentially paralyzing decision-makers or leading to choice fatigue.
Artificial Intelligence and machine learning algorithms are increasingly being employed to aid in decision-making processes, from personalized recommendations in e-commerce to complex data analysis in business strategies. These technologies can process vast amounts of data and identify patterns that might elude human cognition, potentially leading to more objective and data-driven decisions.
Social media and online reviews have created a new form of social proof, significantly influencing consumer decisions. This digital word-of-mouth can be a powerful factor in shaping opinions and choices.
Moreover, technology has accelerated the pace of decision-making. In many contexts, there’s an expectation of rapid responses, which can sometimes lead to hasty decisions without full consideration of consequences.
Lastly, the rise of predictive analytics and big data has allowed for more precise forecasting and risk assessment, particularly in fields like finance, healthcare, and urban planning. This has the potential to lead to more optimized and efficient decision-making processes, albeit with the caveat of potential algorithmic biases.
Describe an event you organized is another interesting topic that might require similar decision-making skills.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Pivotal decision /ˈpɪvətl dɪˈsɪʒən/ (adj. + n.): A crucial or central decision that affects the outcome of a situation.
Example: Choosing my university major was a pivotal decision in my life. -
To weigh the pros and cons /weɪ ðə prəʊz ænd kɒnz/ (phrase): To consider the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.
Example: Before accepting the job offer, I carefully weighed the pros and cons. -
To yield benefits /jiːld ˈbenɪfɪts/ (v. + n.): To produce or provide advantages or good results.
Example: My decision to start exercising regularly has yielded numerous health benefits. -
Astute /əˈstjuːt/ (adj.): Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one’s advantage.
Example: Her astute business decisions led to the company’s rapid growth. -
To open up opportunities /ˈəʊpən ʌp ˌɒpəˈtjuːnətiz/ (phrase): To create new possibilities or chances for advancement.
Example: Learning a new language can open up many career opportunities.
Describe a conversation that changed your perspective is another topic where these vocabulary items could be useful.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a good decision you made:
- Structure your answer clearly, following the cue card prompts.
- Use a range of advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures.
- Provide specific details and examples to support your points.
- Show reflection on why the decision was good and its impacts.
- Practice speaking fluently for 2 minutes without long pauses.
- In Part 3, develop your answers with explanations and examples.
- Engage with the examiner naturally, as in a real conversation.
Remember, consistent practice and expanding your vocabulary are key to improving your IELTS Speaking performance.
Describe an interesting magazine article you read could be another useful topic to practice these speaking strategies.